Chapter 22

The portkey dropped Cedric in what looked like a graveyard. The Hufflepuff looked around in Curiosity. "Is this part of the tournament too?" he asked himself. Something rustled behind him and he turned around a quick spell on his tongue. His eyes widened. "Potter?" The fourth-year raised a hand and Cedric found himself on his knees unable to move. "What are you doing?" More people came out of the shadows. They wore black cloaks with bone white masks covering their faces. His chin was grabbed and he was forced to look into Potter's eyes. "I happen to need someone who has the dark mark." "I don't…" "I can easily duplicate it on you. Don't worry, it will only sting a little and will last for twenty minutes at most." Green eyes started glowing gold and Cedric felt himself grow dizzy. His left wrist was gripped and he heard the hissings of a snake. A searing pain spiked in his arm and he might have screamed but it was over in an instant. He slumped over to his side. He tensed as another wave of pain hit his wrist, less intense but longer. Just after it ended he heard multiple pops of apparition around him. 'Death Eaters? Why are they with Potter of all people?' Were his last thoughts before he lost consciousness.

Harry, now glamoured as Voldemort, looked on as multiple Death Eaters appeared around him. When they saw him they immediately dropped to their knees, groveling at his feet. Some gave curious glances to the ones who were there before them. "Enough. Stand up." Harry said. "I see some of you are missing. No matter, they'll be here shortly." He pressed a finger to the unconscious boy's arm. Murmurs started up at the sight of the Diggory boy, surprised that he was a Death Eater too. The mark burned once again. Several more individuals were summoned forcefully to the graveyard. They didn't have their Death Eater garbs on them. Some wore the distinctive prisoner garbs from Azkaban. Severus noticed the traitor Igor Karkaroff, Bellatrix Lestrange as well as Rabastan and Rodolufus Lestrange among them and sneered distastefully behind his mask.

He was required to be here so he could help shorten the lives of the ones gathered here as loyal followers of Voldemort. Most of these people would go home alive but others such a Bellatrix would surely be killed. He knew that most Death Eaters did not appreciate their devotion to the Dark Lord but were bound to servitude by the dark mark as well as the threat to their families. He informed Potter that if their binds were broken and their safety assured, most Death Eaters would not pose a problem.

"My Lord!" Bellatrix shouted in elation, crawling on her knees towards her master. "How great you are My Lord to come back to life and free us all." Harry stared at her blankly. He raised his wand at her. "Avada Kedavra." She slumped to the ground, lifeless eyes still wide in shock. Again the Death Eaters started to talk in hushed but terrified whispers. "Quiet." He said calmly, bringing silence to the graveyard once again. He gave a 'come' motion with two fingers over his shoulder. The Death Eaters who had come with him, including Severus, pointed their wands to the new arrivals. Some made to draw their wands. Seeing this Harry released a large amount of killing intent, forcing the Death Eaters to the floor with fear gripping their hearts unable to even lift their wands.

They were gathered to one place after their wands were taken away. Moving forward, Harry allowed the glamour to fall off him, revealing his true fourteen-year-old self. "Potter? What the hell is going on?!" Macnair screamed. "You are all gathered here because your Lord Voldemort is now dead, for good. The men holding you at wand point are mine. They follow my every instruction. You are going to be taken to holding cells where you will be questioned on your deeds as Death Eaters." "W-what will happen to us?" one of the Death Eaters asked. "Depending on what you tell me, you will be killed." He turned to leave at the sounds of screaming and apparition as the men and women were taken to their new homes for the next few days.

"Potter." Harry turned to Severus. "Aren't you going to look over the proceedings?" Harry shook his head. "No. I will leave that to you, Severus." "Why me?" "You know them better than we do. You are in charge. I want a record of all interactions with them and the conditions upon which they were released or killed." Severus nodded. "Thank you, for giving them a chance." "I was planning to kill them all. They have you to thank."

Harry knelt by Cedric's limp form. He said something in parseltongue and the dark mark vanished from his wrist. He grabbed the tri-wizards cup that had fallen next to him and used a sticking charm to attach it to the boy's hand. He placed a hand on his forehead. His eyes glowed gold as he was submerged into the sixth year's mind. It only took a few seconds to adjust his memories. Once done, he activated the portkey and had the boy whisked outside the maze prepared for the third task.

Harry straightened himself, nodded at Severus, and disappeared into shadows. He appeared in a dirty alleyway in Knockturn Alley. There he met Hidan and Deidara. Together they went to the room Trevor mentioned his mother would be in. Hidan was the one to knock. He did so once, twice, thrice, but there was no response. Deidara shoved him out of the way to knock loudly and impatiently. Still no response. "What the hell?" he growled. Hidan glanced at Harry. The boy had a pensive look on his face. "Do you think the boy told her?" Hidan asked. Harry responded. "It's possible. I never told him to keep his silence after all." Deidara squawked. "You mean we came here for nothing. Why didn't you tell the brat to shut up?" Hidan punched the blonde in the arm. "Don't be so rude, you insolent whelp!" "Hidan, it's fine." Hidan had a retort at the tip of his tongue but swallowed it, settling with glaring at the blonde wizard. Harry started down the stairs, leaving the two to follow behind him. "It's highly likely Ms. Ambers has fled in fear of what Archilles may do if in fact she has been informed of the conditions of our arrival." "We can find her in no time." Hidan informed. "We'll see." Harry acknowledged. "However, I still want you two to come with me to visit Archilles. Let Obito take care of it."

"Did you really ask for an invitation from Archilles?" Deidara asked in disbelieving amusement. They exited the Leaky Cauldron onto the streets of Diagon Alley. Harry had on a glamour that distinguished him from the Boy-Who-Lived and his companions wore casual robes. He smirked a bit. "Of course. How else would we be invited?" "I wonder if he will bite the bait." The raven shrugged at Hidan's musing. Once in an unassuming alley, Harry shadow walked them to LeFay manor. Deidara wasted no time searching for Obito to inform him of his task. Hidan followed Harry down to the dungeons. As soon as they passed the threshold separating the place from the main house, the screaming made itself known. Shrill and pain-filled, they echoed around the room. It made Hidan smile with a certain gleam in his eyes. The cells were occupied by death eaters, some moaning, some screaming, some silent with confusion and fear in their eyes, others passed out, a few dead. Hidan noted that a few death eaters that had already been questioned were placed in a large, more comfortable room that had seats scattered around.

Harry entered one chamber where an unknown death eater was being questioned. The woman seemed to be in her late thirties, and stiff with terror. It was no wonder since Orochimaru was the one carrying out her interrogation, a row of sharp medical tools lined on a low table so she could see them. A small scalpel was held loosely in his hand as he made yet another shallow cut around her bare nipples, eliciting a hiss of pain from her. He was saying something to her, which she avidly listened to with growing horror. She started sobbing right in front of them, begging them to stop. Hidan couldn't help but cackle at the distraught woman, coming close to squat next to Orochimaru.

The woman focused pale blue eyes at the newest arrival. "Please. Let me go. I told you the Dark Lord tricked me into his service. I was so young. Please." "Stupid girl. Didn't anyone teach you not to enter into magical agreements without reading the fine print?" Hidan said in a low, smooth tone. The bloodthirsty grin on his face however did nothing to calm the woman down, especially since Orochimaru was making another mark on her skin with fine precision. Severus entered the room, drawing all their attention. He glared at Orochimaru. "I told you not to harm her." He hissed angrily. Harry watched as the medical tools were banished to Merlin knows where. He muttered something to the woman and poured three drops of veritaserum on her tongue. Her face went slack. The man proceeded to ask a multitude of questions. The Akatsuki members joined Harry at the door. "No fun." Hidan said with a small pout. Orochimaru was also frowning in disapproval. "Severus knows what he's doing." Harry told them. The snake-summoner tore his gaze from the other two in the room and stalked out, probably to search for more available victims, muttering about 'dark marks react more volatilely with unicorn hair soaked in virgin blood.'

"When are we leaving?" Hidan asked. Harry did not take his eyes from the interrogation. "As soon as we get an invite. I reckon it would be this week. If not, we would have to let ourselves in." "That would go down well." Was the silver-haired man's sarcastic reply. Harry shrugged, then frowned. Hidan noticed. "They'll be fine." Harry glanced at him briefly. "I know. I'm not comfortable with it." "They're not babies you know." "Try telling that to my inner creature." Hidan wanted to say more but the look he got told him the conversation was over. "So reticent." The older man commented with a huff and continued watching the interrogation.

~Scene Change~

Draco shifted nervously but refused to look away from the dark stare of Sasuke's eyes. "Here's the deal baby-Malfoy. You are going to take this portkey, gather all your belongings and wait for it to take you home at twelve midnight. Your father has already been notified. Ask no questions and I will tell you no lies. Got it?" Draco nodded slowly at the words, slightly traumatized by the raven's menacing tone. "I got it, but can you answer just one question?" Sasuke wanted to reply in the negative but saw the confusion in the blonde's eyes. He nodded shortly. "Why? I mean, school hasn't ended yet. Also, don't portkeys not work within Hogwarts' wards?" "That's two questions Malfoy." Naruto finally joined the conversation. "Harry is leaving Hogwarts tomorrow night and wants you in a safe place. Classes were cancelled so I don't think it will be a problem to leave until you can write the exams, if there will be any. Your father sent a letter to your head of house, informing him of your withdrawal. As for the portkey; we will take you to a safe location where it can work before it activates. And before you ask why again, with recent events this place is not safe for you. Harry arranged this with your wellbeing in mind."

"I see." Draco said thoughtfully. "I know I'm his friend and all but why does he go so far?" Naruto replied. "As soon as you became Harry's friend you became a priority. Not to mention that you are Malfoy Sr.'s son." "What does he have to do with Harry and me?" "So he didn't tell you? Not surprising." Sasuke quipped. "You see Malfoy, you, your father, Naruto, and I are something of brothers through Harry. I'm sure you know that you're a magical creature, as is your father. Your father has recognized Harry as his dominant and has imprinted on him as a protector. You as his son would fall into the category of the protected. We are vampires and have recognized Harry as our sire. This connects us as more than just acquaintances."

"Why didn't anyone ever tell me this?" Draco asked. Though he was confused about the dynamics of their relationship he still wanted to know why. Naruto leaned back in his chair. "No one wanted you to panic. Besides, Harry wanted you to feel as normal as possible for as long as is reasonable. Having him as a magical father-figure is not normal." Draco frowned. "What's gonna happen now? Why am I really being sent home? Is something going to happen?" Sasuke answered. "Yes. We have a lot of enemies and Hogwarts cannot fully protect you. The wards at your home however are ancient ancestral wards. They have also been layered with additional protection. Professor Snape will join you when he is able as another measure of protection." Draco nodded trusting that he would be kept safe.

~Scene Change~

It had been three weeks since Hogwarts let out and just a little less than a week since Harry requested a meeting with Archiles the vampire lord. It was now clear the old vampire wasn't intending to reply. So Harry got Hidan, Deidara, Sasuke, and Naruto together to prepare to visit Archiles. Most of the Akatsuki had protested taking just four individuals with him. Harry however knew just how arrogant and paranoid of his own people Archiles could be. He didn't want to take the whole of Akatsuki to confront Archiles, and if this first approach fails they have portkeys they can use for a quick getaway.

Hours before they left, Nagato requested a meeting with him. "Leader-sama, are you certain you don't want more people to come?" Harry sighed. "Nagato-kun, we have already discussed this." "Yes, but portkeys can be countered. They would no doubt anticipate this." Harry waved off his worries. "I made those portkeys myself. No wards can stop them." "British wards. What if Archilles knows how to cast ward from other countries, wards that even we don't know about? This is not the time to test limits." Harry thought about it. "What do you propose?" "At least two more of us should shadow you." Harry shook his head. "Archilles is an elder vampire, and thus has earned a gift for shadow magic. He could sense you and be able to manipulate the shadows." He turned to Nagato, giving him three pendants. "These are normal portkeys but are flooded with my magic. They would crash through any wards, even Hogwarts'. Their location is keyed to my magical signature. I'm sure they'd be of use." The redhead was confused as he received the portkeys. "In that case, why don't you equip yourself with these? Surely they'd be more useful in your hands, or your childes'.

Harry smiled sadly. "These kinds of portkeys are difficult to make due to the effort it takes not to destroy the portkey as it is made. The magic is too concentrated. And it takes too much magic. Not to mention due to it being full of magic it cannot accept another signature other than that which made it. It would be pointless to give these to them." Nagato nodded in understanding. "We will not fail you."

~Scene Change~

A servant came into the dining room and bowed before his master. "The guests have arrived, Master." "About time." The man said, swishing the ruby liquid within the wine glass. "Show them in." The servant bowed even lower then left. Five minutes later he came back with the five individuals. Archilles smiled at his guests. "Little Hadrian, I have been expecting you." "So it seems." The boy replied indifferently. "Since you expected us I hope there is a place for us at your table." "Certainly." The vampire lord confirmed, waving at them to take their sits. They did as told. "Now then, to what do I owe this pleasure?" Harry made himself comfortable. "I believe you already have an idea." Archilles hummed. "Do I?"

Naruto watched the exchange calmly, taking stock of each and every one of the vampire lord's movements and subconscious motions. The undead man's posture was completely relaxed, a small Cheshire smile playing at his lips. The blonde frowned. Something was wrong. A glance at Sasuke told him he had the same thoughts. Deidara and Hidan were better at hiding their emotions. Hidan had his usual bloodthirsty grin and Deidara with his cocky smirk. Naruto's eyes trailed back to Archilles, keeping his thoughts to himself.

"I'm sure you do. This night has been long in coming, you know that as well. You are becoming a nuisance." The vampire laughed, white hair obstructing his face. "I'm appalled child, the fact that you came here with such a small group to fulfill your intentions insults me even more." He straightened, a grin showing off his sharpened teeth. "You've got some balls." Harry's face didn't change. "I'll take that as a compliment. So, where are you hiding your army?" Archilles stood gracefully, turning away from the group. The servant in the corner twitched nervously, honey eyes following his master. "For a child, you have nerves of steel, Hadrian. I can smell the anxiousness from your servants but you…" he crushed the wine glass in his fist so the blood dribbled from his fingers. He licked the blood sensually, making sure to keep his eyes locked on Harry's. "Color me impressed."

"Are you done?" The young teen asked. He flicked his wrist and the blood disappeared. Archille's face became composed once again. "You came to my territory with the intention of killing me, I know that. As such I have made some preparations." "Whatever you have done won't help you, un." Deidara quipped and faltered at the chuckle he received in answer. "What's so funny?"

Naruto was tense now. Archilles replied. "You think that way but I'm sure they would disagree." He waved his hand and an image faded onto the opposite wall. It was all Naruto could do not to gasp. Sasuke leaped to his feet, hands clenching the edge of the table. Deidara and Hidan moved with him. Naruto's eyes trailed to Harry. It wasn't obvious at first glance but he was shocked…and livid. Archilles grinned in satisfaction. "I see you recognize them. I was afraid my intel was incorrect. To think, you have a fetish for blondes." On the screen were Draco and Lucius, both unconscious. They seemed to be in a cell, Lucius' lithe body wrapped protectively around Draco. Blood was dripping down the older Malfoy's forehead. Naruto glanced at Harry once more, wondering what he would do.

"How did you get them?" Harry growled. This seemed to satisfy the vampire. "Johnson wasn't so useless after all. She was able to bribe one of Lord Malfoy's associates for me. Once invited in the rest was easy. What, you thought they'd be safe in their own manor?" Harry gritted his teeth, anger evident in his eyes but kept silent. "Are you not going to ask what I'll do with them? Not going to beg for their lives? How cruel can you be, little Hadrian?" "You wouldn't answer my questions even if I asked. What do you want from me?" The vampire made an exaggerated thinking pose. "Let's see. I want my territory in Italy back. You know, the one you took after slaughtering part of my coven there. Second, I want you to clear out from France. I wouldn't want you dirtying my doorstep too often. Third…" his eyes wandered over to Harry's. He was calm once again after hearing those easy demands. Archilles grinned, salivating at the thought of little Hadrian crushed. "I want these two children." He said, pointing at Sasuke and Naruto.

Harry stiffened. "No." he replied firmly. Archilles laughed. "You are in no position to bargain, little one." Hidan and Deidara moved forward. Deidara grabbed Naruto's arm so as to pull him closer. Hidan came to stand in front of Sasuke as if to protect him. "Over my dead body." Hidan growled. Harry stood up smoothly. "You ask for too much." Archilles was not phased. "Either you give them to me or the other two die. If you give those two to me I will give you another chance to appease me. Maybe you can have them back and become a complete family once more. Happy ever fucking after for everyone involved."

After that there was a long silence. Then Harry sighed. Deidara gawked at the sound. "Are you fucking kidding me? Harry-sama, you can't give in. How do you know he would even keep his word?! These are your childes, surely you cannot even contemplate giving them up! I thought you cared about them, are you that eager to get rid of…" "Silence." The blonde's mouth clenched shut so hard Naruto could have sword he heard his jaw fracture. He fell to his knees under the intense magical pressure Harry inflicted upon him. Glowing emerald eyes met the red ones of the vampire lord. No one could see it but Archilles was sweating. His servant was now on his knees panting, not used to being subjected to such a heavy aura.

"I will hand them over to you." Naruto, Sasuke, and Hidan flinched. Hidan reluctantly stepped aside. Harry glared at Archilles and the vampire lord resisted the urge to cower beneath that gaze. "However beware. Should I come and find even a lock of hair out of place on any of them, I will gut you like a pig and make sure even the gods forsake your damned soul." With that he turned on his heel and strode out, not giving a second glance to his childes. Deidara had got to his feet. He hesitated a moment then, with a regretful look to Sasuke and Naruto, strode after the other two.

Once the small group had left, taking Harry's oppressive aura with him, Archilles took a steady breath and flicked his wrist in a beckoning gesture. The doors to the far left of the room opened to let in four vampires. They grabbed the two boys. They didn't even struggle even as they were dragged away. A small while later they were thrown into the same cell as Lucius and Draco. As soon as the door sealed shut runes flashed a deep red and they both felt their magic lock away. Sasuke slumped next to the blonde and cuddled up into his side. "He didn't even ask what we wanted, he just left us." Sasuke's voice was emotionless. Naruto swallowed heavily, wrapping an arm around Sasuke's shoulders. "He'll be back. I promise."

~Scene Change~

Orochimaru stood silently at the door, having temporarily shut down the silencing seals on the door and listening. He heard the crash of objects being thrown around, heard the frustrated and enraged screams inside. He stared blankly at the door, wishing he could help but not knowing how. All he could think about were the many ways he could use Archilles' remains in his more violent experiments.

Finally, after more than an hour, there was silence on the other side. The door locks clicked open and the sannin opened it to walk in. The room was in disarray, random objects strewn around broken or shattered. Harry was sat on the floor looking outside the large window. His back was stiff. Orochimaru went no further than the doorway. "Harry-sama?" "I'm fine. I just…I never saw this coming." "No one did. No one looks you any different." Harry laughed humorlessly. "Hidan and Deidara are mad at me. I'm sure Naruto and Sasuke hate me, Itachi as well for letting them go. Akatsuki is a close-knit family so I'm certain you all have some grudge towards me." He paused, then continued. "I've never been driven to such a corner before. There was nothing I could have done."

Orochimaru could see him clench his fists and his body shook. At first, the sannin thought it was in anger. Harry brought his hands to his mouth to stifle the sob that escaped. To his horror more followed it and tears had filled his eyes. Orochimaru's eyes widened in shock. He had never seen Harry cry before, at some point it had just become impossible what with the boy's tough exterior. He froze as the teen continued to cry helplessly, he himself clueless as to how to make him stop making those sounds. Then his body just moved and he was hugging his leader from behind, the door swinging shut behind them. His arms wrapped securely around the boy. Harry stiffened, not used to this kind of contact from his subordinate. Soon enough he dissolved back to tears.

Not used to such mushy behavior Orochimaru didn't say anything, he didn't have the words to comfort anyone. Harry was grateful for that. He didn't want any more reminders of how weak he was, how helpless he was. He just buried his face in the man's arms and continued to cry. He knew he should stop. He was the leader of Akatsuki, damn it! But it just felt so good to just let it out. The experience was cathartic to him, he couldn't stop even if he wanted to. He didn't even deserve to cry, it was all his fault after all. Eventually, he had no more tears to cry, his throat was hoarse from all the screaming and he was dead tired. He fell asleep in his subordinate's arms. Orochimaru shook his head and hefted the boy up. He deposited him in his bed, changed his clothes, and tucked him in. With one final look, he left the room. "Tittly." A house elf appeared with a small pop. "Master Snake calls for Tittly." Orochimaru nodded at the elf. "Go clean up Harry-sama's rooms, make sure not to disturb him in the process." The elf nodded. "Tittly be cleaning Master's rooms right away, Tittly be quiet about it." With that, the elf popped away to do his duty. Orochimaru sealed himself in his lab for the rest of the night, not getting a wink of sleep.

~Scene Change~

"It's been a month." Draco tensed at that declaration. Sasuke scoffed. "Congratulations dobe, you were counting." "Teme!" the blonde boy shifted from his curled-up position on the thin mattress. "Stop it you two, none of us have it easy." Though they hadn't been touched, the psychological abuse was torturous. Every few days they would be assaulted with various visions, some brought terror, some ecstasy. Sometimes they were denied food for days on end, sometimes the waste bucket was neglected so the room reeked of waste. The two vampire boys were denied of blood so much they were becoming a danger to the Malfoy. Even so, they had it better than the sheltered blonde. And now, Lucius had been taken and missing for a whole week. They were all anxious, the stress was starting to get to them.

A high-pitched feminine scream was heard from down the hall, alternating from shrill and moaning. Draco hunched over clutching his hair. Naruto came closer to hold the now crying boy close. He looked over at Sasuke, the raven staring back in silence. "Make it stop." Draco whimpered. His fellow blonde pet his hair gently. "Shh. It's ok, it'll pass." A few minutes later the shrieks stopped. Sasuke tried looking outside their cell to take his mind off of everything. Shadows flickered by the door as if someone was coming closer but never appearing. Sighing, he closed his eyes. 'A month, huh?'

Later that day, or night, food appeared in the form of soggy bread and water. Their first meal in two days. Resisting the urge to hurl Draco ate his food quickly, Naruto was a bit slower. For him the food had long since lost its stale flavor, now it tasted like chalk. He knew it was because he hadn't fed in so long. If they didn't drink blood soon they would get into a blood frenzy. What would happen to Draco then?

A groan startled him out of his despondent thoughts. He looked up. Sasuke hadn't touched his food. In fact, he seemed to be shying away from it. He was holding his head as if it pained him. Naruto's eyes widened. 'No.' "N-Naruto." The raven cried out desperately. Moving quickly, the blonde stood to stand in front of a frightened Draco, food forgotten. 'I forgot Sasuke's control has never been as good as mine.' Naruto thought. Sasuke lost the battle with himself and lunged, heading straight for the only human in the room. 'I'm sorry Sasuke.' He kicked the attacking vampire in the face, throwing him across the room. That seemed to straighten his senses a bit; enough that he could plan his attacks better to reach his goal. "Shit!" Naruto cursed when Sasuke darted to the left. He moved to block his path. Sasuke took that into account, however. Instead of coming from the left, he pushed off the wall with his feet, hurling himself over his brother. Lengthened claws raked over the unprotected back. Naruto bit off a scream, turning quickly.

Draco shrunk back in horror at the attacking raven, red eyes boring into his hungrily. The vampire was stopped short, however. Naruto had grabbed the back of his collar and yanked him back into the wall again. His bleeding back was already healing and right now he had no qualms with paying back the bastard. Glaring at Sasuke with his slit scarlet eyes, he clenched his fist and dashed forward. Sasuke tried to move but was forced back down by a mighty punch. "You bastard!" Another punch drew blood. "Get a grip!" Sasuke blocked the next blow and kicked Naruto away. Naruto righted himself in mid-air and crouched in front of Draco protectively. Sasuke crouched too, preparing to attack once again. The two boys looked truly demonic; red-eyed, fangs displayed in twin snarls, claws ready to strike at each other.

"Stop it, teme! This isn't you." Naruto tried, hoping he would get through to him. He didn't want to hurt Sasuke, but he also didn't want his brother to hurt someone he cared about. He would never forgive himself. Sasuke went to attack again. Hoping he wouldn't regret it, Naruto struck to injure and incapacitate. He dodged just enough that Sasuke's claws barely grazed him. He grabbed Sasuke's hair hard enough so the pain was disorienting. Twisting he smashed the raven's head into the wall as hard as he would allow himself. Sasuke instantly went limp, the impact rendering him unconscious. Heart pounding, Naruto settled Sasuke on the floor and immediately checked if he was breathing, if he still had a heartbeat. He slumped down in relief at the signs of life. His feral features disappeared.

Still afraid but concerned, Draco crawled forward. He grabbed Naruto's arm. He looked at the beaten Sasuke. "Is he going to be ok?" Naruto nodded. "Yeah. Vampires heal quickly. Hopefully, he would be back to his senses." "Why did he…do that?" Draco asked. He went to Sasuke's side and, using his remaining water, he did his best to clean the blood. Naruto explained. "It's a blood frenzy. It occurs when a vampire goes without blood for too long. Older vampires can endure it for months, but younger vampires can last for only a few weeks. It's a miracle Sasuke and I have lasted this long. It's bad if Sasuke has already entered into one." "It was so sudden." Then something occurred to the platinum blonde. "Wait, does that mean that…you…" Draco stared at him with wide eyes. Naruto looked away. "My control is better than Sasuke's but eventually, soon. Yes, I will enter a blood frenzy too." After Sasuke's display, Draco knew exactly what that entailed.

"What can we do?" he asked, desperation lacing his voice. Naruto was silent for some time before answering. "Blood. We need blood. Freely given works best." He trailed off. "That's not all, is it?" Naruto shook his head at the inquiry. "Having gone without blood for so long, there's a high chance the donor would be killed." Draco took a shaky breath. "Okay. I'll do it." Naruto gave him a surprised look. "Draco." "When Sasuke wakes up, I'll let him feed from me. Just promise me one thing. Promise me you'll stop him if he goes too far." Getting over his shock, Naruto smiled gratefully. "Don't worry, I'll break his teeth if I have to." And Draco believed him.

~Scene Change~ ~Two weeks ago~

"Why can't we find them?" Yahiko growled. Itachi replied. "It's as if the whole castle was relocated. I believe they moved elsewhere. Not even blood magic can trace them." The Akatsuki were seated around the table. They were trying to find Archilles and along with him hopefully the abducted individuals. "We've tried every tracking spell and ritual we know, we're even searching via muggle means, nothing!" was Hidan's exclamation. Harry watched on as they discussed among themselves, mind in turmoil. 'It's my fault.' As if hearing his thoughts Kabuto placed a hand on his knee. Harry didn't even glance up but he relaxed a bit. He spoke for the first time in this meeting. "Clearly our efforts so far have been in vain." The table quieted. "In that regard, I propose necromancy." Whispers started all around. "Y-You can't be serious, Leader-sama." Obito voiced all their thoughts. "Even dark lords don't dabble into necromancy. The price is simply too high!"

"I'm very serious." Harry stood up. "The dead see things the living cannot, they remember what has long been erased; they record everything. Selly." The head elf popped in and handed him an old bound tome. Harry opened it to a marked page and showed the group. "This ritual allows one to talk to and work with the dead for as long as they are needed. That is until the agreed-upon goal is achieved. Pity they spiritual realm isn't allowed to interfere in the physical one." He duplicated the ritual on the extra parchment available on the table so everyone can go through it. The benefits were clear and great, however…

Nagato slammed his hands and the table and stood up, obviously affronted. "I refuse!" Kabuto followed suit. "I agree. The ritual price is a piece of your soul. Even horcruxes stay connected to their vessel somehow. I will not allow you to harm yourself in such a way." Mummers of agreement were uttered around the group. Itachi was conflicted. The ritual was dangerous, he agreed. But if it was the only way to find his brothers? Would he be so selfish as to allow this ritual? But he didn't want Harry to get hurt. A split soul was a painful thing; the wound would never heal for as long as Harry lived. The ramifications in the afterlife were unknown but most likely scarring. Such a fate… Harry's fist banged on the table, startling everyone out of their protests. "If you have better ideas I'd love to hear them." The room settled into a tense silence. Harry continued "I have already done most of the preparations. The ritual will be done on tomorrow's new moon. I will instruct you what to do after." He didn't wait for their confirmations or objections and left the room.

Orochimaru watched him leave. He knew how pained and desperate Harry was and didn't blame him for the measures he was taking. Even worse, he was the one who suggested it. He didn't regret it though. Compared to what the Akatsuki leader was prepared to do this was preferable. "Orochimaru-sama is this wise?" Orochimaru placed a hand on Kabuto's head. "You will learn one day what it means to love someone." He too left the room. Soon, the group dispersed.

A/N: I think this is my oldest chapter yet. So far I have mostly portrayed Harry as powerful and mostly invulnerable. This chapter is an attempt to curb that some, and show that Harry can also make mistakes. I seriously wish I was psychologically capable of writing more scenes like this. As it is I'm mentally cringing at this bit. Hopefully, it was properly executed and you enjoy it.

The next chapter will be posted around the same time as this one and I valiantly hope you enjoy it more as Harry makes a comeback. You also get to see how strong Harry is. Critical comments would be appreciated, flames will be summarily ignored.